"heredi-TEA" : an individual cuppa

We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders. (Psalm 78:4, NLT)

In the Christian faith, one is not born a Christian. Everyone comes to the Lord on his own. Acceptance of faith is not hereditary. Heredi-TEA in the Lord doesn't come through the bloodline of the parents, but through an individual's acceptance of the atoning blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. One claims faith for himself; it's not ascribed by birth.

However, God's word instructs us in several ways to guide one's children to that end: to share the goodness of the Lord; to tell of His deeds and power in one's own life; Recalling all the ways God has shown His hand.  

Legacy in the spiritual realm is a lifestyle as you can only leave what you live.

As DTS former professor, Howard Hendricks, said, "You cannot impart what you do not possess."

You teach what you know, but you reproduce what you are.
Our older son brings each of his sons to Memphis the summer prior to his kindergarten year for a “heritage trip.”  A trip to Daddy’s hometown to see us, the paternal grandparents, along with Daddy’s former homes, schools and favorite places, and a side trip to Pickwick---where his daddy spent his growing up years.

A time of one-on-one events, coupled with lots of BBQ.

May each Liles generation "set its hope anew on God,..." (Psalm 78:7)

Building relationships is key to sharing a faith that "sticks"......"so the next 

generation might know them, even the children not yet born and they in turn 

will teach their own children." (Psalm 78:6)

"Heredi-TEA" : an individual cuppa of faith served singly (one by one) by the Lord Himself.

"Congra-TEA-lations"

They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness. (Psalm 145: 7, KJV)

God is good. Today my heart was filled to overflowing with His goodness. One grandson graduated from kindergarten and I was able to attend the event. Something that has not always been a possibility as a working mother/grandmother. How fun to congratulate him on completing the course and laughing at his response to his mommy's comment about "crying at his graduation."

"You don't have to cry, Mommy; I promise I'll be good today."

Plus, a Texas grandson is in town with his daddy for his heritage trip and his 6th birthday. I was able to splash thru the water at Mud Island's Riverwalk with him and congratulate him on his map skills---and for keeping me "directionally" on my toes. I wonder if I passed on some of my Ms Rand-McNally genes to him.

Sharing any milestone with a grandchild is worth celebrating. Kudos. Congratulations. Pats on the back. All are important ways to encourage. 

Celebrating cousins! Congratulations! More food was in their stomachs and on the table than on the floor! Celebrating laughter. John Parker's definition of his fish basket was priceless. "They killed a fish and made him into a chicken strip."

Today, my utterance of His great goodness is that I'm still around to share these times with family.

We all need to celebrate each moment, be thankful and find reasons to serve a cuppa congra-TEA-lations to others---even in the little things.